The Basics and Benefits of Dry Ice Blast Cleaning

Industrial and residential clients alike have been wowed by the environmental and practical perks of our dry ice blast cleaning method. Those unfamiliar with this technique should read on for a brief primer and overview of the many different benefits this service provides.

What is dry ice blast cleaning, exactly?

Dry ice blasting is a relatively new innovation being advanced by the Steamatic team. We are always seeking out the best new cleaning techniques, and both research and field tests have supported our decision to back this new cleaning technology.

Dry ice blast cleaning involves directing a mildly abrasive stream of solid CO2 pellets towards old paint, rust, mold, or any other mess requiring rapid, electronically-sensitive, and eco-friendly removal. Pellets are made when liquid carbon dioxide is taken from a pressurized storage tank and expanded at ambient pressure to create snow. The next step in the process involved compressing this snow through a die to make hard pellets. When blasted out of our special equipment, these dry ice pellets convert instantly from solid to vapor on impact in a process known as “sublimation,” which strips the surface of its contaminants and vanishes without a trace.

Dry ice blasting is becoming favoured by clients looking to minimize their environmental impact. With awareness of our unsustainable global paradigm spreading rapidly, many industries are now operating under stringent environmental regulations in hopes of reversing the damage being done to our planet. Dry ice blasting fits perfectly into this approach, offering rapid cleaning that requires little to no production downtime, while also leaving no waste or residue behind.

How does dry ice blast cleaning work?

The idea of blasting away contaminants with a jet of dry ice sounds impressive, but how does it really work?

Step 1 – The transfer of energy

CO2 pellets are shot from our blasting gun at supersonic speed. They impact the target surface and transfer their energy into the paint, rust, or mold that is being cleaned away. This transfer of energy kicks the contaminant off of the target surface without any risk of damage or abrasion.

Step 2 – Micro-thermal shock sets in

Dry ice pellets are extremely cold at about -110 degrees Fahrenheit. When these freezing pellets make contact with the target surface, this sudden temperature drop causes a micro-thermal shock which occurs between the surface contaminant and the substrate. This causes the contaminant to crack, delaminate, and otherwise crumble away for safe and easy clean-up

Step 3 – Sublimation

The final phase of the dry ice blast cleaning process has to do with gas pressure, as the pellets explode on impact, converting instantly to a gas. This conversion to a harmless CO2 gas forces the contaminant off of the surface so that it can be easily cleaned up.

The benefits of dry ice blast cleaning over its alternatives

Some of the alternatives used previously in place of dry ice blast cleaning include abrasive glass, sand, and walnut shell blasting, as well as traditional steam cleaning. Though valuable in their own right, these methods pale in comparison to dry ice blast cleaning for many jobs.

• Less downtime – Dry ice blat cleaning allows you to clean industrial equipment in place. This eliminates the need for equipment cool-down, disassembly, transportation, reassembly, and reheating. Simply clean your equipment in place, and cut your equipment downtime from days into hours.
• Faster and more efficient cleaning – Dry ice blasting is inarguably superior to scrubbing. The jet of ice pellets can reach tough-to-access areas, and will cut down labour time considerably.
• Eliminate equipment damage – Abrasive cleaning methods can wreak havoc on your precious equipment. Don’t put your livelihood at risk with damaging cleaning techniques; dry ice blast cleaning is completely non-abrasive.
• Eliminate the use of solvents – Dry ice blast cleaning only uses CO2 pellets. This means no chemical residue and concerns over toxicity.

If you would like to learn more about our innovative dry ice blast cleaning process, visit our website today. Our professional cleaners are on duty 24/7 and can help you with any cleaning request!